Best Overall
Saunders Waterford
Outstanding overall watercolor paper, highly regarded for its quality and texture, suitable for various watercolor techniques.
Best for Professionals
Arches
The best option for professional artists, offering superior durability and a classic texture that handles watercolors exceptionally well.
Best Budget
Fabriano Studio
Great budget-friendly watercolor paper, balancing cost with good performance for watercolor art.
Evеry artist knows that thе magic of watеrcolor painting doеsn’t just liе in thе pigmеnts and brushеs, but also in thе canvas that holds thе artwork togеthеr. Watеrcolor papеr is oftеn ovеrlookеd but plays a crucial rolе in dеtеrmining thе outcomе of your mastеrpiеcе, influеncing not only thе luminosity and tеxturе but also thе vibrancy of thе colors and thе longеvity of your work. Whеthеr you’re a bеginnеr artist just starting your journey or a seasoned professional, thе quality, tеxturе, and wеight of thе papеr can significantly changе thе outcomе of your work.
In this articlе, wе’ll еxplore thе world of watercolor paper, guiding you through its various typеs and hеlping you discovеr thе pеrfеct canvas for your work. Additionally, wе’ll prеsеnt you with a curated list of thе bеst watеrcolor papеrs and brands in thе markеt today for all budgеts and nееds.
How to Find the Best Watercolor Paper
Material
One of the most important factors to consider when looking for the best watercolor paper is the material it’s made of. Papers made from 100% cotton fibers are top-tier, offering superior absorbency, strength, and longevity. They can handle heavy washes and scrubbing without deteriorating. These papers are more expensive and less common, however they’re worth the price.
On the other hand, cellulose-based papers which are derived from wood pulp, these papers are more common and much more affordable but they usually don’t offer the same resistance or longevity, and in some cases tend to yellow with time. You can also find blends, which contain a percentage of cotton and cellulose. These papers are more affordable than cotton ones and tend to perform better than cellulose papers, however you’ll have to make sure these are also acid-free or else your colors will change, fade or yellow with time.
Weight
Watercolor paper is usually measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm), the “weight” indicates the paper’s thickness and sturdiness, a high weight usually means the paper is thicker and stronger. Heavier papers (300gsm) can absorb more water without warping or buckling, making them ideal for wet-on-wet techniques.
Lighter papers (190gsm) might require stretching (step where you wet the paper before using it so it receives water better in the painting process) beforehand to prevent them from curling and are better for pieces that don’t require frequent washes. The weight of watercolor paper is a crucial determinant of its performance, heavier papers are always recommended since they can handle a variety of techniques, however your choice should align with your painting style and the techniques you employ on the day-to-day.
Texture
Watercolor paper comes in various textures: rough, cold-pressed, and hot-pressed. Rough papers have a pronounced grain, ideal for creating textured effects. Cold-pressed, or “Not” papers, offer a medium texture suitable for both detailed work and washes. Hot-pressed papers are smooth, perfect for fine details and ink work. The texture can influence paint absorption and spread, impacting the final appearance of your artwork.
Color
While most artists opt for traditional white paper, watercolor papers are available in various tints like cream, gray, or even soft blues. 
These hues can influence the mood of your artwork, provide unique backgrounds, and add depth to shadows and highlights. Though most of the recommendations in this article are leaning heavily towards white, choosing a tinted paper can give your work a distinctive edge and set it apart.
Presentation
Watercolor paper is available in sheets, pads, blocks, and rolls. Sheets allow for custom sizing, while pads and blocks are convenient for portability. Blocks, being glued on all sides, eliminate the need for stretching the paper. Rolls offer the flexibility of cutting custom sizes, especially for large artworks. Your choice should align with your work’s scale and your preferred working environment.
Grade
Watercolor paper is categorized into two primary grades: artist (or professional) and student. Artist-grade papers are of the highest quality, made from 100% cotton, ensuring longevity and optimal performance. Student-grade papers, often made from cellulose, are more affordable and suitable for practice and learning, though they might not offer the same vibrancy or durability as artist-grade papers.
Paper Elaboration
Acid-free watercolor papers are essential for ensuring the longevity of your artwork. Papers that contain acid can yellow and deteriorate over time, affecting the artwork’s vibrancy and life. Acid-free papers, treated to neutralize their pH, resist aging and maintain the original color and texture of your paintings, making them archival-quality. For artists looking to sell or showcase their work, or for those creating keepsakes, acid-free is the way to go.
Price
When it comes to art supplies, price often reflects quality. While it’s tempting to opt for cheaper watercolor paper, especially when practicing or sketching, investing in higher-priced paper can offer benefits in the long run. Premium papers tend to handle water better, resist warping, and showcase colors more vibrantly. However, it’s essential to strike a balance. For learners or those on a budget, mid-range papers can offer a good compromise between quality and cost. Remember, the paper is the foundation of your artwork, and sometimes, saving a few dollars can cost you in artistic quality.
The 5 Best Watercolor Papers in 2023
- Best Watercolor Paper Overall — Saunders Waterford
- Best Watercolor Paper for Professionals — Arches Watercolor Paper
- Best Watercolor Paper for Budget — Fabriano Studio
- Best Watercolor Paper for Students — Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad
- Best Watercolor Paper Value — Winsor and Newton Professional Watercolour Block
1. Best Watercolor Paper Overall — Saunders Waterford
Selection Criteria
- Weight: 140 lb.
- Our Score – -/-
- Texture: Hot press, cold press and rough.
- Our Score – 10/10
- Material: 100% cotton.
- Our Score – 10/10
- Color: Off-White.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Presentation: Pad
- Our Score – 9/10
- Grade: Professional.
- Our Score – 10/10
- Acid free?: pH-neutral
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $27.78
- Our Score – 8/10
About the Saunders Waterford
Saunders Waterford is a renowned name in the world of professional art. Their watercolor blocks are mold-made of 100% cotton, ensuring a texture that’s both smooth and durable. This gelatin-sized paper maintains a neutral pH, making it resistant to the usual wear and tear, color lifting and multiple washes without warping or breaking.
The block contains 20 sheets of 140 lb (300 gsm) paper, available in various surface finishes which allows artists to choose according to their specific needs. Its resistance to warping and yellowing makes it a favorite among professionals who require precision and consistency in their work.
Pros
- 100% cotton material.
- Neutral pH balance.
- Resistant to distortion.
Cons
- Higher price range.
- Only 20 sheets.
2. Best Watercolor Paper for Professionals — Arches Watercolor Pad
Selection Criteria
- Weight: 140 lb.
- Our Score: -/-
- Texture: Cold Press.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Material: 100% Cotton.
- Our Score – 10/10
- Color: Natural White.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Presentation: Pad.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Grade: Professional.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Acid free?: pH-neutral
- Our Score – 10/10
- Price: $37.00
- Our Score – 8/10
About Arches Watercolor Pad
Arches watercolor paper is pretty much the standard for professional work, it is high quality, highly recommended by many professionals which makes them stand out as a premium choice for artists. Their watercolor pads are crafted from 100% cotton, ensuring a natural-white sheet that’s acid-free, this quality guarantees longevity for artworks, preserving their vibrancy and detail. The 140 lb (300 gsm) paper is robust, making it suitable for a variety of mediums including watercolor, gouache, ink, acrylics, and even printmaking.
One of the standout features of Arches Watercolor Pads is their adaptability, they are perfect for plein-air painting, allowing artists to capture nature in its raw form. Additionally, the compact design makes it convenient for travel, ensuring that inspiration is never missed.
Pros
- Pure 100% cotton.
- Acid-free longevity.
- Rough, Cold and Hot Pressed alternatives
Cons
- Premium price tag.
- 12 sheets only.
3. Best Watercolor Paper on a Budget — Fabriano Studio
Selection Criteria
- Weight: 140 lb.
- Our Score – -/-
- Texture: Cold Press.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Material: 25% Cotton.
- Our Score – 6/10
- Color: White.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Presentation: 50 11 x 14 inches Pad.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Grade: Professional.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Acid free?: Yes
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $30.10
- Our Score – 8/10
About Fabriano Studio Watercolor Paper
Fabriano Studio Watercolor Paper is a testament to the brand’s understanding of an artist’s journey, recognizing that students and emerging artists may not always afford premium papers, Fabriano offers this economical yet high-quality paper. It’s made of 25% cotton and lignin-free cellulose, striking a balance between affordability and performance.
Available in both cold and hot press surfaces, this paper offers flexibility for various artistic techniques and styles. The texture and quality are designed to help budding artists learn proper techniques without the hindrance of subpar materials whether you’re practicing sketches, mastering watercolor techniques, or exploring mixed media.
Pros
- Very Affordable.
- 25% cotton blend.
- 50 sheets
Cons
- Not 100% cotton.
- Lignin-free cellulose.
4. Best Watercolor Paper for Students — Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad
Selection Criteria
- Weight: 140 lb.
- Our Score – -/-
- Texture: Cold Press.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Material: 60% Cotton.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Color: White.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Presentation: Pad.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Grade: Student.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Acid free?: Yes.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $10.30
- Our Score – 10/10
About the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad
Canson XL Watercolor Pads are a blend of quality and value. Designed specifically to appeal to students, these pads offer more sheets at a price that’s competitive, if not better, than other pads in the market. Each sheet is 140 lb (300 gsm), acid-free, with a cold-press texture, making it ideal for watercolors.
What sets Canson XL apart is its development in consultation with art professionals, ensuring that it meets the standards of both budding and seasoned artists. The texture and durability of the paper make it suitable for various artistic endeavors and its 60% cotton blend makes it the perfect starting point for beginners but also a good surface for those more experienced ones.
Pros
- Student-friendly pricing.
- 140 lb cold-press.
- Acid-free.
Cons
- Not 100% cotton.
- Bulkier pad design.
5. Best Value Watercolor Paper — Winsor and Newton Professional Watercolour Block
Selection Criteria
- Weight: 140 lb.
- Our Score – -/-
- Texture: Cold pressed.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Material: 100% Cotton.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Color: White.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Presentation: Sketchbook.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Grade: Professional.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Acid free?: Neutral ph.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $22.32
- Our Score – 8/10
About the Winsor and Newton Professional Watercolour Block
Winsor & Newton is synonymous with quality in the art world, their Professional Watercolor Blocks are manufactured to the brand’s highest standards, ensuring a canvas that artists can trust. Made from 100% cotton, this watercolor paper is both externally and internally sized.
This dual sizing ensures balanced absorbency, allowing colors to sit beautifully on the paper, and superior resilience, ensuring the paper remains taut during the painting process. The paper in these blocks is made using a traditional cylinder mold and despite the price being on the expensive side, these blocks are a favorite among professionals.
Pros
- Premium 100% cotton.
- Balanced absorbency.
- Superior resistance.
Cons
- Premium pricing.
- Limited global availability
Conclusions
Selecting the right watercolor paper is essential for any artist. The canvas can make or break the final outcome of a painting. We’ve delved into various brands, from the premium Saunders Waterford to the cost-effective Fabriano Studio. Each has its merits, catering to different needs and budgets. It’s not just about splurging on the most expensive option; it’s about understanding what your artwork requires. So, whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, take a moment to consider your paper choice. It’s a small decision with a big impact.
FAQs on Watercolor Paper
Q: What is the best weight for watercolor paper?
A: Typically, heavier papers (300gsm) are preferred as they can handle more water without warping. However, the best weight depends on your painting style.
Q: Why is 100% cotton watercolor paper recommended?
A: 100% cotton paper offers superior absorbency, strength, and longevity. It can handle heavy washes and retains color vibrancy.
Q: How do I choose between cold-pressed, hot-pressed, and rough textures?
A: Cold-pressed has a medium texture suitable for general use, hot-pressed is smooth for detailed work, and rough has a grainy surface ideal for textured effects.
Q: Is acid-free watercolor paper better?
A: Yes, acid-free papers resist aging, ensuring the artwork remains vibrant and doesn’t yellow over time.
Q: Why are some watercolor papers tinted?
A: Tinted papers can influence the mood of artwork, provide unique backgrounds, and enhance shadows and highlights.
